Question:

Warning message: (Brace ' XXXX-XXXX' is not properly located at the chord surface at joint 'JJJJ', The parameter '(Zeta)' for the braces ‘XXXX-XXXX ' and “XXXX-XXXX” at joint 'JJJJ' is exceeded the applicable range

Resolution:

Troubleshooting suggestions:

1. Relief brace load to chord outer surface - "R"

2. Include joint connections exceed applicability range - "IJ"

Most likely the root cause of the warning is that all joint flexibility and strength methods assume that the end of the brace is connected to the outside surface of the chord member. If the brace offset is too small or too large, the end of the brace won't align with the outside of the chord member. 

For example, as shown in the image below, the brace is not connected to the outside of the chord wall. That's why Collapse Advanced reports that warning message. The joint flexibility and strength methods are valid if the brace is offset outside the chord wall.

 

You have two options here:

Option 1: Using Precede Automatic Joint Design (see screenshot below), move the brace to the outside of the chord. This tool automatically adds offsets, but you must check to make sure the automatic value is the one you want. 

Option 2: In the Collapse Input file, on the JSOPT line, enter a very large value (like 100 cm) for "Offset Check Tolerance" to override this warning message.